Question 1

Why does my FACP or FCS show trouble with the phone lines?

Accepted Answer

This offends happens when there is not enough or any voltage on the phones lines. In other words, the phone lines are not working and not properly sending signals to the CS. Installing GSM technology can help you avoid this costly failures. Call ASM now as obtain a Free estimate. Mention the Q&A and obtain a 20% discount and the first 3 months of GSM signals for FREE.

Question 2

What is the fire alarm central station report?

Accepted Answer

This report is a detailed log of all the activity that took place between the fire alarm central station and fire alarm control panel.

Question 3

What is a “Fault line 1 or 2” in my FACP?

Accepted Answer

When phone lines or any method path of communication fails for any reason these are likely to show as Fault Lines and/or fail to communicate.

Question 4

How do I know if my fire alarm system is sending signals to the central station?

Accepted Answer

All fire alarm systems are designed by the manufacturer to system sends automatic daily test.

Question 5

Who programs the fire alarm communicator to central station?

Accepted Answer

We do.

Question 6

Can I use my cellphone (iPhone/Samsung/Android device) to put the system offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer that feature.

Question 7

Who would be authorized to put my fire alarm system offline?

Accepted Answer

Only those people that have been provided with the to the Central station pass-code by the subscribers can set the system offline.

Question 8

How long does it take to put my fire alarm system online with a central station?

Accepted Answer

We can perform same day fire alarm central station takeovers.

Question 9

What is the fire alarm emergency contact list?

Accepted Answer

In the event of an alarm, a supervisory or a fire alarm signal the central station will contact you in the order in which you had provided the contacts.

Question 10

Do I need to sign a long term agreement?

Accepted Answer

Like in any other business, discounts and promotions are tied to commitment. However, at ASM we offer monthly FDNY approved m central station monitoring on a month to month bases.

Question 11

Does the price of the fire alarm monitoring vary depending on the building size?

Accepted Answer

No, it does not. Regardless the size of the building, fire alarm central station monitoring is the same.

Question 12

Do I need a permit to monitor my fire alarm system in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NYC fire alarm monitoring requires a form known as TB-60<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-227747" src="https://asmintegrators.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/fdny-tb60.jpg" alt="fdny tb60" width="200" height="255" />

Question 13

Why do I need a passcode for my central station fire alarm monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Setting the system online and offline comes with a level of responsibility. Ultimately, if the system is set offline and there is a fire the fire department WILL NOT BE DISPATCHED. Furthermore, keeping a log of who and when as well as identifying this person as an authorized personnel for the building is key.

Question 14

What is the cost for central station monitoring in NYC?

Accepted Answer

The average MSRP of an FDNY Approved central station monitoring is $95.00 per month.

Question 15

Difference between Supervisory, Trouble and Alarm Signals?

Accepted Answer

Supervisory: This fire alarm signal type is related to the supervision of certain field components. As an example the opening and the closing of the Sprinkler valve.
Trouble: This fire alarm signal is typical of a device malfunctions.
Alarm: This fire alarm signal is caused by the activation of a fire alarm component such as a smoke detector, heat detector a manual pull station, a duct detector on any other.

Question 16

How do I clear a fire alarm monitoring violation?

Accepted Answer

Call ASM at 212-202-2565 and one of our fire alarm consultants will assist you free of charge.

Question 17

What is a proprietary fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

Proprietary in the fire alarm industry is known as “Only me the certified xyz manufacturer can service the system.This is a very confusing topic and subject to hours of discussion. However, many fire alarm vendors want you to believe that they are the only solution in town. Fortunately this is not the case. Any vendor can work on any system as long as they are certified with the district, city or state in which they do business. Even though there could be limitations to perform certain tasks, if the fire alarm company is a well reputable provider then they will likely be able to provide you with a ONE STOP SOLUTION.

Question 18

How do I change central station companies?

Accepted Answer

Simply give as a call at 212-202-2565 and one of our experts fire alarm consultants will guide you through and provide you a free estimate.

Question 19

What methods of communication can I use to send signals to a central station?

Accepted Answer

This may very from town to town and its jurisdiction. However, the most common ones are:

POTS (plain old telephone system)
GSM (wireless)
Ethernet
Radio

Question 20

Should I disconnect my central station fire alarm monitoring if I am not using it?

Accepted Answer

NO. Once an approval is given to a fire alarm system by the fire department the signal should never be interrupted for any reason regardless if the space is no longer occupied.

Question 21

What is the difference between Built-in dialer and a communicator?

Accepted Answer

Some systems are capable of transmitting more details than others. For example: those systems with a built-in dialer are capable of transmitting CID (contact ID) which in other words mean that each device can send signals to central station. Then if you have 200 smokes, each sends over its own name and location over to CS. this is known as built in dialer. On the other hand, a communicator has only between 5 to 10 zones and send a generic signal such as trouble, supervisory, alarm, phone line troubles etc but lacks the ability to send one signal per field device

Question 22

When should I set my fire alarm system offline?

Accepted Answer

In order to avoid the fire department being dispatched to your site its imperative to put the systems offline. All fire alarm systems should be put offline right before any work is being performed on the system itself, any interconnected system such as sprinklers, HVAC are worked on or any construction or cleaning is to be performed at the building that could trigger an unwarranted fire alarm signal.

Question 23

How do I put my alarm offline?

Accepted Answer

Fire alarm systems should go offline when any testing, inspections or repairs are being done at the facility to avoid dispatching FDNY unnecessarily. The set the system offline you can call or if you are with ASM integrators we offer an APP to do it from the convenience of your phone.

Question 24

Can I cancel a false fire alarm?

Accepted Answer

NO, once a fire alarm is transmitted they become NOT be canceled.

Question 25

How long can I have my system offline?

Accepted Answer

The maximum time allowed is 8 hours. If you then need to extend the time them the process stars again for a maximum of another 8 hours and so on.

Question 26

Can my central station dispatch FDNY faster?

Accepted Answer

The answer to this question in NO. No matter who the company is in NYC they can not promote or advertise themselves as being faster. The FDNY dispatches at its own timing and not on who called.

Question 27

Are all fire alarm monitoring companies the same?

Accepted Answer

No, they are not. Even though the end service is to call 911 and dispatch the fire department, each company has its own protocols above the minimum requirements. Furthermore, customer service and its response time can be key players at the time to select the central station monitoring.

Question 28

Can I hire a central station out of State for $5.95 for a NYC approved central station?

Accepted Answer

No, NYC requires that only FDNY pre approved central stations can monitor fire alarm systems within the 5 boroughs. This services are normally MSRP anywhere between $90 & $125 per month. When you call any company, simply asked if the monitoring is or not FDNY approved to avoid any violations.

 

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-225685" src="https://asmintegrators.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/fire-alarm-monitoring-in-new-york.jpg" alt="fire alarm monitoring in new york" width="551" height="134" />

Question 29

Does NYC FDNY have special requirements vs NYS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they do. NYC Fire alarm central stations must be certified.

Question 30

Who can install a fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

A fire alarm system is installed by FDNY approved fire alarm company.

Question 31

What are the steps to the proper installation of a fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they do. NYC Fire alarm central stations must be certified.

Question 32

Do I need to test my fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fire alarm testing and inspections are mandatory by FDNY and needs to be performed semi-annual.

Question 33

What is a fire alarm testing?

Accepted Answer

The fire alarm testing will test to ensure all components are in working order. This includes smoke detectors, pull stations, and horns and strobes. Other components tied into the system such as fire doors, elevators and emergency shutdown equipment will be tested as well.

Question 34

Does my system need to be the monitor?

Accepted Answer

It is mandatory by FDNY that your fire alarm system is monitored via central station.

Question 35

Does NYC FDNY have special requirement vs NYS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they do. NYC Fire alarm central stations must be certified.

Question 36

Who can install a fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

A fire alarm system is installed by FDNY approved fire alarm company.

Question 37

What are the steps to the proper installation of a fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they do. NYC Fire alarm central stations must be certified.

Fire Alarm Installation (FAQs)

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